Awareness and Preparedness

How Safe is My House?

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TAAL VOLCANO BULLETIN 01 September 2012 8:00 A.M.

Friday, 31 August 2012 23:32

Taal Volcano’s (14.0000°N, 120.9833°E) seismic network recorded two (2) volcanic earthquakes during the past 24-hour observation period. Field measurements conducted on 28 August 2012 at the eastern sector of the Main Crater Lake yielded slight increase in water temperature of 33.40°C from 32.30°C, slight increase in water level of 0.83 meter from 0.73 meter, and slight decrease in acidity of pH 2.83 from pH 2.77. Ground deformation survey (precise leveling) on the Volcano Island last 9-19 July 2012 indicated no significant change compared with February 2012, but is nonetheless still inflated compared with baseline data. GPS data for the period of February 2011 to 13 July 2012 show steady deflation beginning in August 2011, but nonetheless also indicated that the edifice is still slightly inflated compared to February 2011 baseline data. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emission at the Main Crater Lake increased to 627 tonnes per day on 07 July 2012 compared to 482 tonnes per day last 18 October 2011.

Alert Level 1 remains in effect over Taal Volcano. This means that hazardous eruption is not imminent. The public, however, is reminded that the Main Crater should be strictly off-limits because sudden steam explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate. The northern portion of the Main Crater rim, in the vicinity of Daang Kastila Trail, may also become hazardous when steam emission along existing fissures suddenly increases. Furthermore, the public is also reminded that the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strongly not recommended.